EIH | Signed a Landmark Agreement with a U.S. Private Equity Fund to Develop a Five - Star Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

EIH, Ethiopian Investment Holdings has signed a landmark agreement with a US private equity fund to develop a five - star hotel in the capital of the country Addis Ababa, sprawling city in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, the nation’s commercial, cultural, artistic and financial hub, a centre that offers a unique blend of cultural experience, relevant historical sites, and natural beauty, making it a vibrant and engaging African city to explore.

This development was announced during the 17th US - Africa Business Summit which took place in Angola, a project that aims to strengthen Ethiopia’s hospitality sector and signals a broader push to attract foreign direct investment ahead of the country’s participation in the AfCFTA, the African Continental Free Trade Area set to begin in July 2025.

 Ethiopian Investment Holdings established in December 2021 and based in Addis Ababa is Africa’s largest sovereign wealth fund, dedicated to advancing national development through the strategic management of public assets, enabling high - impact investments and cultivating transformative partnership that drive sustainable economic growth in Ethiopia. 

EIH, as a catalyst for the country’s long - term prosperity, is committed to delivering value, transparency, and innovation across all sectors of the Ethiopian economy.

Ethiopian Investment Holdings’ latest move is part of a wider strategy to drive investment across key sectors including infrastructure, agriculture and technology.

Alongside the five - star hotel development, the company is working on major developments such as a new international airport capable of processing over 100 million passengers in collaboration with Ethiopian Airlines.

Reforms including liberalised currency policies and relaxed foreign ownership rules are designed to make Ethiopia more attractive to international investors and support its long - term economic growth, and undoubtedly EIH is a prominent company able to attract future international partners for the development of the country.

Link
https://atta.travel/resource/ethiopia-secures-us-investment-for-new-five-star-hotel-in-addis-ababa.html

Marriott International | Announced To Open four City Express by Marriott Properties in El Salvador

Marriott International, American multinational hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland announced to open four City Express by Marriott propertiers in El Salvador, collectively adding 440 rooms to its portfolio in the Central American country.

This move is part of Marriott International's strategy to expand its presence in the affordable midscale segment across the Caribbean and Latin America in a very emergent destination like El Salvador with increasing international tourist arrivals an a remarkable growth attributed to factors like increased airline capacitiy, a focus on tourism infrastructure, and the country's natural beauty and cultural richness.

Marriott International's decision to expand in El Salvador comes amid a period of significant growth in the country's tourism and business sectors, and the introduction of these new properties is expected to meet the increasing demand for hotel accommodations in the region.

This expansion by Marriott International is the result of a new agreement with Corporación Polaris and Cardedeu, a company based in El Salvador with over 15 years of experience in the real estate sector introducing in the country the brand City Express by Marriott offering convenient and comfortable stays for both business and leisure travellers,  known for its efficient operating model with focus on quality and simplicity, and participation in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.

The properties planned to open in El Salvador are : 

 
City Centro by Marriott San Salvador - The hotel will be situated in the beating heart of the capital of the country San Salvador near key attractions such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the lively Plaza Cívica square and the National Library. The property will feature 31 rooms and will open by the end of this year. 

City Express by Marriott Aeropuerto - The hotel will be located in a strategic position connecting Ilopango International Airport and San Salvador's metro area and it will open in late 2026.

City Express by Marriott Santa Elena - The property will open its doors in 2026 along the Pan - American Highway, in a district like Santa Elena known for its modern infrastructure, residential and commercial activities and amenities like shopping centres and restaurants with a comfortable living environment.

City Express Plus by Marriott San Benito - Expected to open in late 2027, the hotel will be situated in San Benito district, an eclectic neighborhood, known for its vibrant atmosphere, cultural attractions and upscale amenities. San Benito offers a blend of historical sites, modern attractions and a lively nighlife.

This strategic expansion into El Salvador aligns with Marriott's broader growth plans for the City Express brand, which include anticipated openings in Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Nicaragua, Peru and the United States.

Link 
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137025.html

Hyatt Hotels Corporation | Opened a New Destination by Hyatt Resort, Marking the Brand Debut in Mallorca, Spain

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, American multinational hospitality company based in Chicago, Illinois, opened a new Destination by Hyatt resort, marking the brand debut in Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain, popular destination in the Mediterranean, known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, diverse landscapes, historic towns, mountains, and offering a vast range of activities and attractions.

The opening of Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca, part of Destination by Hyatt is part of Hyatt's broader strategy to expand its brand portfolio in Europe and specifically in the Balearic Islands, a key travel destination, with a new property positioned to attract both leisure travellers and those interested in exploring the natural and cultural attractions of the island.

The new Hyatt's unit enters in the Destination by Hyatt brand, a diverse collection of upper - upscale and luxury independent hotels, resorts and residences that are individual at heart yet connected by a commitment to draw upon the true spirit and culture of each location offering authentic and unique experiences.

The resort is situated at Carretera Arta s/n, Km 1 in Alcudia, a town in the north of of the island of Mallorca, well known for its stunning bay, beaches and its Old Town highlighted by suggestive narrow cobbled streets and a restored city wall with rampants transporting visitors straight back to medieval times, on Playa de Muro, adjacent to S' Albufera Natural Park, just off the coast road 5 kilometres south of Port d' Alcudia, a unique nature reserve and fascinating wetland dating back to Roman times.

In addition the property's location provides easy access top relevant local landmarks, including the Roman ruins of Pollentia, a 100 BCE site includes a forum, theatre and residential area situated just outside of Alcudia's town walls and Cape Formentor, the northernmost point of Mallorca located on the scenic Formentor peninsula.

Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca, part of Destination by Hyatt incorporates in its design elements inspired by the Mediterranean environment, with interiors featuring colours and materials that reflect the local landscape.

The property offers 184 comfortable guestrooms and suites equipped with amenities such as 55 – inch smart TVs, offering views of the surrounding sea. 

The establishment features four dining venues, each offering a distinct culinary experience and Michelin starred chef Andreu Genestra leads the food and beverage offerings.

The restaurants focus on local and seasonal ingredients, with menu that include Mediterranean and Mallorcan dishes, with options range from casual to fine dining, highlighting local traditions and flavours.

The resort also offers wellness facilities, including the Sarena Spa, which uses natural product from the Spanish brand Arôms Nature and providing a range of treatments and features a hydrotherapy area and thermal zone. 

Guests at Sarena de Muro Resort Mallorca, part of Destination by Hyatt also have access to two pools, one with direct beach access, and a 24 - hour fitness centre that offers guided wellness activites.

The development in a very demanded destination like Mallorca is expected to enhance Hyatt's offering in the region and providing a new option for travellers seeking accommodations in the largest Balearic Island.

Links 
https://www.hyatt.com/destination-by-hyatt/en-US/pmidh-sarena-de-muro-resort-mallorca
https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article137061.html

Paraguay | "Pequeños Turistas", Educational Program to Bring Tourism Closer to the New Generations Unveiled

Paraguay, a landlocked South American country situated between Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, actively working to develop its tourism sector, focusing on sustainable and authentic experiences, promoting its cultural and natural heritage, strengthening the quality of tourism services, and attracting major international international events, in an effort to bring tourism closer to the new generations, through Senatur, the National Secretariat of Tourism and MEC, the Ministry of Education and Science, developed and unveiled the educational program "Pequeños Turistas", little tourists.

This pilot programme is an initiative that seeks to involve 6th grade students in educational tourism activities to promote knowledge of the country's natural, cultural and historical heritage through a structured and organized set of learning activities designed to achieve specific educational goals and objectives.

The official launch was held at the Integration House of CAF, the Development Bank of Latin America and Caribbean, with the presence of CAF's southern regional manager, Jorge Srur, and representatives of key institutions such as the MEC, Senatur, Itaipu Binacional and on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Angie Duarte, the General Director of Tourism Products of Senatur, Andrés Ortiz attended.

 "Pequeños Turistas", has as its main objective to raise awareness among children about the importance of tourism as a tool for sustainable development, innovation and social cohesion.

The program with content, methods and resources used to facilitate learning includes tours of emblematic destinations in the departments of Central and Alto Paraná, combined with pedagogical activities that include the writing of stories inspired by the experiences lived during the visits.

In addition to students from selected schools, the initiative will also include the participation of children in foster care and adoption, reinforcing the inclusive and social approach of the project.

The pilot plan will be developed throughout the second half of the year. The visits are scheduled for the months of July and August, the elaboration of the stories between September and October, and a closing with an official presentation in November.

 One of emotional moments of the event was the artistic participation of Leandro Espínola, a 12 - year - old actor, who performed a piece as an ambassador of the program.

It is worth noting that between 2016 and 2017, "Pequeños Turistas", programme already trained more than 3.500 students in 22 municipalities of the Alto Paraná.

This new stage marks a significant evolution in the program with the incorporation of the Ministry of Education and Science as a strategic partner, which will allow greater articulation with the educational system and expand the scope of the project.

 With this new initiative, Paraguay is committed to training small ambassadors of national tourism, awaking in them a sense of belonging and pride of their country, a new generation prepared to enhance the attractiveness and rich national heritage while promoting a more aware and connected citizenry with their environment.

Link
https://infoturlatam.com/paraguay-lanza-programa-educativo-pequenos-turistas/

Slovenia | Preparing to Launch a New Visa System for Digital Nomads for the First Time Ever

Slovenia, a country in Central Europe, known for its relevant cultural and historical heritage, mountains, lakes, caves, meadows, sea and renowned ski resorts, offering tourists a wide variety of landscapes : Alpine in the northwest, Mediterranean in the southwest, Pannonian in the northeast, and Dinaric in the southeast making it a very attractive destination in Europe, with the aim of attracting workers but also tourists to the country through its authorities is preparing to launch a new visa system for digital nomads for the first time ever.

Remote workers interested in living among scenic medieval towns, glacial lakes, forested areas and pristine Alpine valleys can soon do so using a new digital nomad visa working in a very attractive EU nation that shares its borders with Austria, Croatia, Hungary and Italy.

Scheduled to come into force in November 2025, the visa will be intended for citizens from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area, allowing one - year residential stays in Slovenia for work purposes, as long as applicants are employed by a foreign company or working as freeleancers exclusively for clients outside the country.

The visa for digital nomads will be valid for only 12 months and cannot be renewed consecutively, which means that remote workers who want to extend their stay will have to leave the country and wait six months after the end of the visa before being able to apply again.

This status, unprecedented in Slovenia, will also allow visa holders to take their family members with them, provided that none of them is working in the country.

Visa requirements require applicants that they have sufficient income to support not only themselves but also their family members.

Details about the minimum amount of income required have not yet been released, but potential candidates can already start gathering evidence of their income.

Those who are already in Slovenia and are seduced by this opportunity can also apply for the digital nomad visa with the local government, indicating to the authorities that these applicants will receive a temporary residence certificate that covers the period of processing the documents.

It should be noted that visa programs for digital nomads have been gaining popularity in recent years, following the increase in the number of followers of itinerant lifestyles since the COVID – 19 pandemic, which has changed the working conditions and expectations of workers around the world.

Link 
https://www.publituris.pt/2025/06/30/eslovenia-lanca-visto-para-nomadas-digitais-com-duracao-de-um-ano

Antigua and Barbuda | Included in the Prestigious Travel Green List 2025 by Wanderlust

Antigua and Barbuda, an idyllic archipelagic country composed by two main islands and numerous other small islands and islets that form an independent state int the Lesser Antilles in the Eastern Caribbean Sea at the southwestern end of the Leeward Islands chain, known for its vibrant culture, paradisiacal reef - lined beaches rainforests and a delicious cuisine has been included in the prestigious Travel Green List 2025 by Wanderlust, a renowned global platform and independent travel magazine, first published in 1993 headquartered in London, England, UK.

This is the first time the Caribbean country has been part of this very important list, which celebrates the world's leaders in sustainable tourism.

The inclusion of Antigua and Barbuda recognizes the innovative work of The Elkhorn Marine Conservancy's Coral Reef Restorantion Project, an initiative focused on protection and rebuilding the marine ecosystem of this two - island nation, implementing active coral restoration practices that have been successful in restoring reefs in a number of Caribbean countries.

The operation involves collecting coral fragments,  nurturing them in uderwater nurseries, and transplanting them onto damaged reefs. More than 1.000 coral fragments are currently being cultivated, and expansion plans are already underway.

The project supports local biodiversity, protects coastal communities, and strengthens the tourism and fishing industries, fundamental pillars of Antigua and Baruda's economy.

This prestigious international recognition is the result of the ongoing effoirts of the Antigua and Barbuda Authority's UK team, led by the Direrctor for the United Kingdom and Europe, Cherrie Osborne to highlight the destination's sustainability initiatives in one of its main markets.

The team worked closely with the media to increase the visibility of the Coral Reef Restoration Project, culminating in its selection by the Wanderlust editorial board for the 2025 list.

The Director said that the Coral Reef Restoration Project is a shining example of the long – term environmental work being done in Antigua and Barbuda and it is a privilege to see this work recognized by a publication as influential as Wanderlust.

During the World Travel Market 2024, the project was also presented at the Antigua and Barbuda booth through an immersive virtual reality experience on reef restoration, a key moment in the campaign in Great Britain to promote sustainable tourism.

Main benefits of the initiative are : 

•    Strengthening local fisheries and protecting coastal areas 
•    Creating ecotourism experiences based on education and participation 
•    Promoting biodiversity and long – term environmental health

This recognition by Wanderlust consolidates Antigua and Barbuda as a destination that not only stands out for its natural beauty, but also for its firm commitment to the conservation of the beauty for future generations.

This achievement adds to other important milestone this year, such as a prominent Caribbean note in Wanderlust that featured Raz and Kayla from Humble and Free which captured the spirit of the islands through local voices and authentic storytelling.

Link  
https://infoturlatam.com/antigua-y-barbuda-reconocida-en-la-travel-green-list-2025-de-wanderlust/

Namibia | Setting Ambitious Tourism Job Target with a New Development Plan

Namibia, a country situated in southwest Africa, a unique blend of pristine nature, stunning ladscapes and a rich cultural heritage, highlighted by the suggestive Namib Desert along the Atlantic Ocean Coast, home to diverse wildlife and protected areas, considered the driest land in Sub - Saharan Africa is setting ambitious tourism job target with a new development plan.

Namibia's tourism sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy, drawing millions of visitors annually, offering wildlife viewing, adventure tourism and cultural explorations and the African country aims to increase direct tourism employment from 57.000 to 80.000 by 2030 under a proposed National Spatial Master Plan.

 Spearheaded by the Ministry of the Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the plan is part of Vision 2030 launched by President Sam Nujoma, in June 2004 with the aim to transform the country in a prosperous and industrialised nation, developed by its human resources, enjoying peace, harmony and political stability.

The plan is designed to decentralise tourism flows beyond heavily sites like Etosha National Park, a famous large reserve with a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions and zebra and Sossuvlei, renowned site well known for its towering red sand dunes, including Big Daddy and Little Daddy by unlocking potential across all 14 regions.

The strategy will focus on identifying underdeveloped tourism zones, promoting investment, and encouraging community involvement through cultural and conservation – based offerings.

 With 42 active community conservancies and more on the way, the plan will support inclusive growth by integrating local heritage experiences.

Currently in its final review stage, the plan is set for phased implementation from 2025, operating through a three – year rolling within a 10 – year framework.

Link 
https://atta.travel/resource/namibia-sets-ambitious-tourism-job-target-with-new-development-plan.html